a standing method of commendation among the Epick Poets, who are the greatest Panegyrists of glorious actions, to attribute their Hero’s valor and his great actions, to some Deity present with him and assisting. Homer gives many of his Hero’s a God or a Goddess to attend them in battle, or be ready to help them in distress. Virgil describes Æneas as always under the divine direction and assistance. And Tasso gives the Christians in their holy war divine assistance.
Orators also and Historians, think necessary actions the proper subjects of praise.[1] Cicero, when he maintain’d, that the Gods inspir’d Milo with the design and courage to kill Clodius, did not intend to lessen the satisfaction or glory of Milo, but on the contrary to augment it. But can there be a finer commendation than that given by Velleius Paterculus to Cato, that he was good by nature, because he could not be otherwise? For, that alone is true goodness which flows from disposition, whether that disposition be natural or acquir’d. Such goodness may be de-
- ↑ Oratio pro Milone.
